"This country? Oh please! Don't even get me going on that. They would never, they'd be up in f***ing arms."

Former Baywatch actress Traci, 38, who is of mixed African-American, Italian, and Native American heritage, recounted the conversation to the rest of the group, asking for their opinion.

"For me, I thought it was going to be fair and square ... I thought I did have a chance to win. But according to Faria and Dennis, because I'm female and I'm American and my skin is brown, I don't stand a chance," she said.

Faria heard what was going on and attempted to clarify what had been said but ended up offending her fellow housemates.

An angry Respect MP George Galloway stated: "The idea that people who watch this show are bigots is preposterous.

"Most of the people who've won have been from minorities of one kind or another."

Actress Rula Lenska added: "The idea of anybody putting that into their vote in the house is an insult."

The celebrities were left with the impression that Dennis had made the comments, despite the fact that Faria had sparked the discussion.

When the 44-year-old found out, he confronted Traci and Faria in the bedroom, saying: "You're trying to point the finger at me."

Faria later accepted responsibility.

Breaking down in tears, she said: "I do feel a little hurt that I've been nominated but I'm sorry but I just do. I'm sorry if I get upset but I've tried to be who I am.

"I apologise to the nation, to everybody here for offending. Obviously this will cause a lot of aggravation but I've got to take it on the chin."

Pete is up for the chop for the second time after surviving last week when glamour model Jodie Marsh was voted out.

He is the 8-11 favourite to be evicted, followed by Faria (2-1), and Dennis (7-2).

Chantelle is now the 4/6 favourite to win the show.

The last series of Big Brother sparked discussions about racism when the contestants appeared to split into two groups along racial lines.

Big Brother presenter Davina McCall was cleared of racial discrimination by media watchdog Ofcom over what some viewers complained was a hostile interview with Zimbabwean contestant Makosi.